It’s been more than 500 days since Harley Bennell played a game of AFL footy, and there’s no denying his determination to get back on the field.

Bennell suffered a setback in late 2016 with a calf strain to his left leg, after his right calf plagued his season.

The 24-year-old has since shown some promising signs while training with Fremantle’s rehabilitation group, and remains hopeful about his chances in 2017.

“I’m slowly and gradually getting some k’s into my legs,” Bennell said.

“It’s coming along really well, and I’m just looking forward to getting out there to train with the boys, and hopefully get some games under my belt.”

After tweaking his left calf, Bennell headed overseas in early December to receive preventative treatment from internationally renowned soft-tissue expert Dr Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt. 

Bennell said the treatment was helping him through the recovery progress.

“I went over to Germany to get some treatment, and I’ve come back feeling good,” Bennell said. 

“It’s coming along really well. Hopefully, it does the job and I can get out there and kick some goals.”

Fremantle’s long-term injury list made for some sorry reading during the 2016 season, with Bennell joining the likes of Nat Fyfe, Michael Johnson, Aaron Sandilands and Alex Pearce on the sidelines for the bulk of the year.

Bennell is yet to play a game for Fremantle since his arrival from the Gold Coast Suns, and will act as a virtual new recruit in 2017 if he can break into the side.

 

 

“It was a frustrating year but it wasn’t just me,” said Bennell about the 2016 season.

“There were a couple others who had to miss out, but this pre-season has really shown that the boys are training really hard and ready for a big season this year.”

In highlighting his desire to get back on the track, Bennell quoted himself from an interview two months ago - stressing that the latest setback had not hurt his resolve.

“Yeah I can’t wait, as I’ve said before, I’m hungrier than ever,” Bennell said.

“I’m doing everything I can to get my body right and get ready for a big season, and I’m looking forward to it.”